Saudi Restaurant Meals to Undergo Major Change Starting July 1
New Rules Regulate Menus, Ingredient Listings, and Nutritional Content in Restaurants Nationwide
RIYADH — In less than 10 days, the restaurant experience in Saudi Arabia will undergo significant changes.
As of July 1, new rules regulating restaurant meals are set to take effect, in line with the Saudi Food Regulation Policy.
These updates aim to enhance transparency and promote healthier dining options for consumers.
The most notable modifications include a requirement for restaurants to list menu ingredients, detailing calories, nutritional components, and potential allergens.
This move is part of broader efforts by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to ensure that diners have access to safe and healthy food choices, particularly important given the prevalence of dietary-related health issues in the country.
Starting July 1, restaurants will be obligated to revise their menus to include precise nutritional information.
This includes labeling dishes high in sodium with a 'saltshaker' symbol for easy identification.
Additionally, caffeine content disclosure and indications of the calorie burn time are mandatory.
These standards apply uniformly across all menu formats—physical and digital—and encompass online food ordering platforms.
The response to these new guidelines among Saudi consumers has been largely positive, reflecting growing concerns over diabetes, heart disease, and obesity rates in the Kingdom.
By providing clear nutritional information, diners are empowered to make informed decisions about their health.
Similarly, restaurant owners have embraced these changes, with some businesses proactively sourcing healthier options for customers.
The SFDA's initiatives are intended to foster a culture of healthy eating, promote balanced lifestyles, and facilitate consumer monitoring of salt and caffeine intake in alignment with recommended health guidelines.
The Saudi government is offering support to assist restaurants and cafes in transitioning to the updated regulatory framework.
These changes align with Vision 2030, the national strategy aimed at improving citizens' quality of life.
As such, they represent a significant step toward enhancing public health standards within the Kingdom.
As of July 1, new rules regulating restaurant meals are set to take effect, in line with the Saudi Food Regulation Policy.
These updates aim to enhance transparency and promote healthier dining options for consumers.
The most notable modifications include a requirement for restaurants to list menu ingredients, detailing calories, nutritional components, and potential allergens.
This move is part of broader efforts by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to ensure that diners have access to safe and healthy food choices, particularly important given the prevalence of dietary-related health issues in the country.
Starting July 1, restaurants will be obligated to revise their menus to include precise nutritional information.
This includes labeling dishes high in sodium with a 'saltshaker' symbol for easy identification.
Additionally, caffeine content disclosure and indications of the calorie burn time are mandatory.
These standards apply uniformly across all menu formats—physical and digital—and encompass online food ordering platforms.
The response to these new guidelines among Saudi consumers has been largely positive, reflecting growing concerns over diabetes, heart disease, and obesity rates in the Kingdom.
By providing clear nutritional information, diners are empowered to make informed decisions about their health.
Similarly, restaurant owners have embraced these changes, with some businesses proactively sourcing healthier options for customers.
The SFDA's initiatives are intended to foster a culture of healthy eating, promote balanced lifestyles, and facilitate consumer monitoring of salt and caffeine intake in alignment with recommended health guidelines.
The Saudi government is offering support to assist restaurants and cafes in transitioning to the updated regulatory framework.
These changes align with Vision 2030, the national strategy aimed at improving citizens' quality of life.
As such, they represent a significant step toward enhancing public health standards within the Kingdom.
